Rafael Nadal survives scare to squeeze past Denis Shapovalov in five sets at Australian Open

An ailing Rafael Nadal battled to a five-set victory over Denis Shapovalov in a dramatic Australian Open quarter-final.

Nadal lost from two sets up against Stefanos Tsitsipas at the same stage last year and it appeared the same may well happen when Shapovalov forced a decider on Rod Laver Arena.

But Nadal, who had called the trainer for a stomach issue during the fourth set, made his experience count to move ahead early in the fifth and hold on for a 6-3 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 victory.

A relieved Nadal said: "I was completely destroyed. Very tough day, very warm. I didn't practise for it.

"I was a little bit lucky at the beginning of the fifth. At the beginning of the match I was playing great but I know how difficult it is to play against a player like Denis.

"For me it's amazing to be in the semi-finals."

Importantly, the 35-year-old now has two days off to try to recover physically before his semi-final against either Matteo Berrettini or Gael Monfils.

"I started to feel not very well in my stomach," said the sixth seed. "I think I was lucky that I was serving great in the fifth. It was a great test and I really believe I'm going to be ready for that semi-final."

Nadal was not considered among the big favourites at the start of the fortnight having not competed for half of last season because of a foot problem.

But he played himself into that position, dropping only one set to Karen Khachanov during the first four rounds and raising hopes that he could win a record 21st grand slam title.

Shapovalov pulled off one of the biggest victories of his career over third seed Alexander Zverev in the fourth round to reach his third slam quarter-final and first in Melbourne.

The 22-year-old was unable to find his best form in the opening set,